Tyson had been on "Oprah" earlier in the week . . . and it was then that he said he'd like to meet Holyfield face-to-face and apologize for biting off a piece of his ear during a fight in 1997. And because Oprah wanted it to happen . . . it happened. (!!!)

Tyson said that his initial apology was insincere, and wanted to express an honest apology. But . . . intentionally or not . . . he seemed to stop short of an actual apology, while instead talking about how awesome Holyfield is.

He said, quote, "This is a beautiful guy. I just want you to know it's just been a pleasure . . . being acquainted with you." Holyfield accepted Mike's kind-of apology . . . and added, quote, "You talk about biting. I'm the person that bit every brother in my family." (???)

(--Here's video of the "apology" and the two of them shaking hands . . .)